TeenHealthFX - Answers

Diseases, Conditions & Concerns / Question
Published: May 23, 2001

Dear TeenHealthFX,

What are the symptoms of mono?

Signed: Mono

Dear Mono,

Mononucleosis, commonly refereed to as mono or the "kissing disease" is a virus that has several signs and symptoms.

Some signs of mono are:

Fever

Sore throat

Cough

Swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Decreased Appetite

Body and muscle weakness

Increased tiredness

Pain in the upper stomach and abdomen

Headaches

Nausea

Chest pain

A rash

As can be seen by the symptom list, many of these are associated with other illnesses as well. This is why it is important to see your physician if you are having any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose mono through a simple blood test.

Because mono is a virus, there is little that can be done in terms of medication. The idea here is to treat the symptoms. However, if you just assume you have mono and it is really an infection, then you may be wasting time in not getting the proper medication. For example, many of the symptoms listed above are also signs of strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics, whereas mono is a virus that is just treated with rest and fluids.

If after going to the doctor and being diagnosed with mono, you want to treat some of the symptoms, here are some easy ways of doing it. Just remember to make sure these are okay with your doctor first. Some ways to do some home treatment and to prevent the symptoms from getting worse are:

Smoke - Avoid tobacco. If you smoke, try to quit. And, stay out of smoky areas.

Gargle with salt water (Use 1 teaspoon of salt for 8 ounces of water). This can help to reduce the swelling and soreness in the throat. If you have just postnasal drip, this will help to prevent throat irritation from the drip.

Drink a lot of fluids.

Talk to your doctor about using throat lozenges, aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve body and muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, etc.

Get plenty of rest.

People that are diagnosed with mono often feel very sick and weak for about 10 days. Sometimes through mono can last several weeks and you may not feel fully recovered for 1 - 2 months.

Signed: TeenHealthFX